The House System

The House system at St John’s is an integral part of the pastoral system and of the life of the school. There are four houses and all children are allocated to a house (siblings are not necessarily in the same houses). Houses are led by teaching staff who are assisted in the day-to-day running of the house by elected Year 8 pupils who are chosen as Heads of Houses by the children themselves. The House system provides opportunities for all to participate and to take responsibility. It is hoped that children will take a special interest in their house and participate in all house competitions and activities to the best of their ability. There are usually three/four formal house meetings every term although others may be called when necessary.

Achievement awards and credits

A highlight of the year is the house music competition when every child in every house participates in the performance of a house song. A selection of songs are then repeated for parents’ entertainment at the annual Speech Day. During the course of the year, houses compete in sporting, academic and cultural competitions, all of which, together with the individual Achievement Awards, count towards the Crows and Cranes Shield awarded on Speech Day. The Houses are as follows: Dean (Blue); Gwent (Green); Severn (Red) and Wye (Yellow). Achievement Awards are given for praiseworthy standards and effort in academic work. Achievement Awards are recorded in the child’s homework diary and are accumulated to achieve certification at the following levels:

• 25 Achievement Awards = bronze badge/certificate • 50 Achievement Awards = silver badge/certificate • 75 Achievement Awards = gold badge/certificate • 100 Achievement Awards = platinum badge/certificate

The child who accumulates the most Achievement Awards in the school over the year is awarded a prize on Speech Day. Credits are our pastoral reward system. Pupils can collect credits by following the St. John’s Values. The collect their credits on a credit card and can ‘bank’ them at the school bank. The school bank managers are Year 8 pupils who are in charge of keeping a record for each pupil. The pupil can then buy items at the credit shop when they have enough. There is lots ‘for sale’ at the shop such as balls, water bottles, puzzles, computer breaks, non—school uniform days and much more.

Embassy Tie

The presentation of an Embassy Tie is a St John’s tradition. Formerly it was presented to prefects who, on receipt of their tie, were granted the freedom of the Embassy to use as a common room. This tie is now presented as a mark of seniority in the school and the recipients are encouraged to display a mode of conduct that will be a positive role model for the younger pupils. Ties are presented on entry to Year 7. Year 7 and 8 children also wear a different blazer and enjoy their final two years with additional leadership opportunities integrated into their school experience.

Bullying

We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our pupils so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our school. If bullying does occur, incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING school; this means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the staff. Our full Anti-Bullying policy can be found on the Dean Close Foundation website. We welcome feedback from all members of the school community on the efficacy of our anti-bullying measures.

Assemblies

The School enjoys regular whole school assemblies. The School encourages pupil participation and these are seen as important collective events. We talk about the Christian faith and celebrate other religions. We welcome visitors from all religious backgrounds.

Pastoral Care

Staff meet regularly before the start of school and pupils’ wellbeing is always top of the agenda. Pupils should feel comfortable to talk to any member of staff in confidence. Any child experiencing problems of a serious nature should feel free to talk to their parents, guardians or immediate family about any matter of concern at any time. The school has an Independent Listener, Mrs Fiona Gardiner, who can be telephoned in confidence. Pupils have access to the number at school.

Health & Safety

Fire alarm tests are carried out regularly, as are fire drills. Parents should obey the school site speed limit (5mph) at all times and drive with extreme care around the School. Parents are reminded not to park or wait outside the School Reception in the ‘drop-off’ zone.

Lost Property

Our aim is to help children towards independence by encouraging them to be responsible for their own belongings. A major part in this is played by parents naming each item of clothing or equipment brought into school. All children will be expected to keep track of their property. If a child does lose something they will be sent to check the lost property. If they fail to find their property they should, after checking all areas, report to their form tutor. A checklist is available in all pupil planners to encourage pupils to be more responsible and independent in their preparation for each and every school day.